Sunderland’s summer rebuild continues with deals progressing, targets emerging and key decisions made…
Sunderland’s return to the Premier League has sparked a flurry of transfer activity, with Régis Le Bris and sports director Kristjaan Speakman mulling over a long list of ambitious targets. There have been new names linked, agreements are developing, and one high-profile refusal has been verified. Sunderland’s goal is becoming increasingly clear: develop a young, dynamic group while supplementing it with experience when possible. Here’s what you may have missed today:
Transfer details emerge as Aouchiche joins Aberdeen
Adil Aouchiche has joined Aberdeen on loan for the 2025-26 season, with the Dons confirming they possess an option to make the transfer permanent next summer for about £1.5 million.
The 22-year-old French midfielder played 37 games for Sunderland and spent part of the season on loan at Portsmouth. Aouchiche claimed he feels “wanted” by Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin and is excited about the possibility to compete in Europe. “I want to achieve things here and hopefully make some good memories,” he told me.
Chemsdine Talbi closing in on £19.5million move
Sunderland’s bid for Club Brugge star Chemsdine Talbi is nearing completion, with the 19-year-old winger set to join Wearside for £19.5 million in the coming days. According to Belgian outlet Het Nieuwsblad, Talbi will miss Brugge’s pre-season trip to Glasgow to face Rangers. The forward is said to be concluding his move to the Stadium of Light after being offered a five-year contract by the club. He has eight goals and five assists last season and was in the 95th percentile for critical passes among wingers outside Europe’s top seven divisions.
According to sources in Belgium, Brugge was anxious to keep the teenager after his outstanding performances in the Champions League last season, particularly against Atalanta, but Sunderland’s €23 million bid (about £19.5 million) proved too powerful to resist.
Bulka turns down Sunderland for Saudi move
Sunderland’s pursuit of OGC Nice goalkeeper Marcin Bulka has ended in disappointment. The Polish international has joined newly promoted Saudi Pro League club SC Neom for a reported €15 million (about £12.7 million). Bulka had only one year left on his contract in France and was regarded as an important target for Sunderland as they sought elite-level competition for Anthony Patterson. However, the 25-year-old has signed a four-year contract with Saudi Arabia after receiving a significant cash offer. Fabrizio Romano revealed on Sunday that Bulka had passed a physical and rejected Sunderland’s bid in the process.
Luis Suárez offer amid Liverpool and Man Utd links
Sunderland have made an official offer for Almería striker Luis Suárez. According to journalist Jose Gomez Perez, the Black Cats’ proposal exceeds Almería’s estimated sum for the Colombian forward.
Suárez, 27, scored 31 goals in 43 appearances across all competitions last season and is one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe this summer. However, according to Spanish newspaper A Bola, Portuguese side Sporting CP is now leading the race to sign him as a potential replacement for Viktor Gyökere. Liverpool and Manchester United have also been connected, but Sunderland are still firmly in the frame. Suárez is thought to be evaluating his options, with Champions League football a top priority. The striker is valued at over £21 million.
Sam Johnstone linked following coaching appointment
Alan Nixon stated on Sunday morning that Sunderland could sign Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, who was reportedly valued at approximately £10 million, to give top-flight competition for Patterson. New Sunderland goalkeeper coach Neil Cutler, who previously worked with Johnstone at Aston Villa and Wolves, admires the 31-year-old. The seasoned stopper has two years remaining on his contract at Molineux, but a loan deal could be considered. Sunderland had considered options in Europe, but are now thought to be investigating domestic alternatives following Bulka’s decision to relocate to the Middle East.
Read more related news on:sporupdates.co.uk
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